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By Christopher Oji
The Federal High Court sitting before Justices Chuka Oboizor and J.B.O. Quadiri in Benin City, Edo State has sentenced a physically challenged woman,Rita Idehen and six others to 93 years in prison for various drug offences.
NDLEA Edo State commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said that a total of 15 cases were charged, seven convictions comprising two females and five males were secured, and 113 cases are pending as of July 31, 2025.
While applauding the convictions, Mitchell noted that physical challenge is not an alibi in criminal cases, adding that one of the greatest deterrents of crime is the certainty of stern punishment.
He said:“These convictions have sent a strong warning that you cannot hide under the canopy of being physically challenged to commit strict liability criminal offences like drug trafficking. Those who commit crime under any guise should prepare to face the consequences. All hands must be on deck in support of the NDLEA’s efforts championed by Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa. Stern judgements will undoubtedly help to deter future offenders and ensure public safety.”
Rita Idehen hails from the Oredo local government area of the state. She was arraigned under charge number: FHC/B/114C/2022 and found guilty of two counts of unlawful possession and dealing in Cannabis Sativa 2.5 kg, Loud 1.8 grams, and Swinol 2.2 grams. She was sentenced to a 15-year prison sentence with an option of a 3 million naira fine.
Another convict, Risikatu Tijani, who hails from Osogbo LG, Osun state, was caught with 8.701 kg of cannabis and 42 grams of methamphetamine under charge number: FHC/B/94C/2024, was also found guilty of unlawful possession and dealing in illegal substances and was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment. He was, however, given an option of a N4 million fine.
In the case of the Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Friday Robert, who hails from Owan West LG charge number :FHC/B/187C/2022, the accused was convicted in connection with unlawful possession and transportation of 22 kilograms of Cannabis sativa. He received a sentence of 15 years imprisonment with an option of a N3 million fine. Additionally, the motorcycle used as a means of conveyance, registered as 371QB Edo, was forfeited to the FG.
Similarly, Etimesy Stephen, who hails from Ndokwa West LG, Delta state was convicted under charge number:FHC/B/44C/2025 for the cultivation of 0.597884 hectares of Cannabis sativa. He was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with an option of N1.5 million fine.
Salami Philip Timothy who hails from Etsako West LG of the state was sentenced under charge number: FHC/B/18C/2024 for unlawful possession of multiple drugs, including Cannabis sativa, Tramadol, Swinol, Danabol, and codeine-based syrup. He faces 15 years imprisonment or a 3 million naira fine.
In yet another case, Christopher Tanko hails from Kagarko L of Kaduna state was convicted of unlawful possession of cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, Rohypnol, and tramadol in charge number FHC/B/152C/2024. He also got 15 years imprisonment with a 5 million naira fine. Henry Bitrus Okoye who hails from Esan Souyh East local government area of Edo state was given a one-year imprisonment or a fine of 1 million naira for the unlawful possession of 1.068 kilograms of Cannabis sativa.
